How to Choose Carpet for a Concrete Floor

by Amy Rodriguez

Moisture issues should be considered while choosing carpet for concrete floors.

As you look at your plain concrete floor, a number of different flooring choices might pass through your mind. Strategically placed rugs or a floor-staining process can brighten the standard concrete color. You can also lay carpet across a concrete floor, whether it is a basement or ground-level floor. Choosing a particular carpet type requires consideration of the room's humidity levels because concrete can easily absorb and excrete moisture through its pores.

Fiber Type

Any carpet fiber style, from plush to loop, can be applied to a concrete floor. The chosen fiber material type should be a synthetic form, such as olefin face fiber. The man-made fibers will be less susceptible to moisture absorption and can be cleaned with stronger chemicals for a long-lasting floor covering. Heavy traffic areas, such as hallways and basement entertainment areas, will have an aesthetically pleasing carpet along with functionality. Carpets that absorb moisture are prone to mold and mildew deterioration.

Backing Type

The back of the carpet might not seem like a large consideration, but this section of the carpet is typically in direct contact with the concrete if padding is not installed. As a result, the backing might come into contact with concrete moisture. Synthetic backing is essential in these cases. Natural jute-backing draws in moisture that can easily damage the carpet's structure. Verify the carpet's complete construction before deciding on a choice. A mixed synthetic and natural carpet construction can lower the life span of the flooring when installed across concrete.

Underpad Compatibility

All carpet pads are not created equally. Many are made from porous foam. As a solution, you should choose a rubber pad with anti-microbial properties. The rubber will repel any moisture emanating from the concrete while protecting the carpet above. You will need to make sure the padding and carpet combination is compatible. Some stiff forms of padding can deteriorate under the carpet after being stepped on repeatedly. A home improvement professional can guide you to the best combination for a quality pad and carpet layer.

Glue Considerations

Although carpet is held down onto the concrete with installed tack strips along the room's edges, the carpet can still move along the surface slightly. As a result, a carpet without padding will create friction with the lower concrete surface. This friction can slowly eat away at the carpet's backing and deteriorate the entire flooring choice. If you do not want to add protective padding under the carpet, you should consider a carpet that can be glued to the concrete directly. The adhesion between the concrete and carpet will prevent excessive friction to preserve the carpet's structure.

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities.

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